Forget the makeup and beauty aisles for just one minute! Have you opened your medicine cabinet or refrigerator recently??? There are many everyday household and grocery items that have been said to double as great skincare and cosmetic fixes. Here are a few unconventional products that get the job done!
Disclaimer: Everything is not for everybody, and we can not guarantee that each product listed will yield the best results for you. Try things out at your own risk, and see what works.
What are some of your strange beauty remedies?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=vsuXpKG7Sg8
1. Aspirin – Many people swear by aspirin masks as a means of achieving soft, supple, and even-toned skin. Aspirin contains Beta Hydroxy Acids, which are actually found in many luxury skincare products, and work to exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, and heal blemishes. Gradually, these BHA’s can improve skin clarity, tone, and texture. A few tips: Uncoated, dissolvable tablets must be used for the mask. Many people opt to add a bit of honey or essential oil to the mixture to soothe. The mask should only be used once or twice a week max – don’t over do it. And of course – do not try this if you’re allergic to aspirin, silly!
2. Chafing Cream – Did you know that anti-chafing products such as Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel (Sheesh – that name is long) and Lanacane can actually double as foundation primer? Use a small amount all over your face, after moisturizer, to prep the skin for smooth, long-lasting foundation application.
3. Milk of Magnesia – If you struggle with extremely oily skin and nothing else seems to beat the shine, try Milk of Magnesia! This laxative liquid doubles as an extreme mattifier, and can either be mixed in with moisturizer, or applied with a cotton round all over the face right before makeup application. Tip: A few drops will go a long way with this product. If you use too much at once, the liquid can leave a dry, whitish residue on the skin. Also, be sure to use the original formula – veer away from any flavored or scented variations.
4. Lemon Juice – I’ll never forget the year I asked my mom why I, as a brown skin girl, had darker knees and elbows than my, well, non-brown peers. My 3rd grade mind was so perplexed, and it just didn’t seem fair. The next morning, as I was getting ready for school, she brought in a bottle of lemon juice and bag of cotton balls: “Here, put the juice on a cotton ball, and rub it on your elbows and knees every day before you do your lotion.” From that point on, I was a lemon-juicing fool, ok?! A few days later, when my bottle prematurely ran out (I clearly OD’d), I took to the refrigerator. Bingo! Found a lemon, bust that thang open, and got to rubbing. Needless to say – my knees and elbows were shining that summer. The darkness had faded significantly, and they were much smoother. I also had some toned biceps from swinging off bugs and bees attracted to the strong tangy scent, but whatevs.
5. Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets – Struggling with unruly hair static? Simply rub a dryer sheet through your strands to tame the frizz. Or, if you’ve just returned from a long night at the club or bar – only to discover that your hair reeks of smoke (Egchk!) – throw a sheet in your bonnet or pillowcase as you sleep to neutralize and absorb the unpleasant odor.
6. Toilet Seat Covers – This might sound a bit unsanitary, but I heard it from a celebrity makeup artist and owner of a major cosmetics company: Toilet seat covers [unused, of course!] double as awesome blot paper for oily skin! Granted, public restrooms tend to be a bit sketch in general. But, if you happen to find an extra clean one, thumb through the back of the bin and tear off a piece. I betcha it’ll seep that shine right on up!
7 & 8. Toothpaste & Neosporin – When dealing with unexpected breakouts, both of these medicine cabinet staples can double as quick and easy spot treatments. Use toothpaste overnight on untouched pimples to dry out the bacteria. If you couldn’t resist messing with the blemish, try Neosporin instead to aid in healing and prevent the formation of dark scars.
– Chelsea Smith